Mohammad Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani were once among the most talked-about celebrity couples in India. Their relationship was full of glamour, passion, and eventually, heartbreak. The couple tied the knot in 1996 but ended their 14-year marriage in 2010, with rumours of an affair with Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta making headlines. In this article, we explore their love story, the divorce, and the truth behind the speculations.
💞 A Bollywood Meets Cricket Love Story
Sangeeta Bijlani, former actress and Miss India 1980, was already a known name in Bollywood when she met Mohammad Azharuddin. Azhar, the captain of the Indian cricket team, was instantly smitten during an ad shoot in 1985. Their friendship turned into romance over time.
At the time, Azharuddin was already married to Naureen and had two sons. But in 1996, he divorced Naureen and married Sangeeta Bijlani in a high-profile ceremony at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
💔 The Divorce That Shocked Everyone
In 2010, after 14 years of marriage, Sangeeta and Azharuddin officially parted ways. While both of them remained silent about the exact reasons for the divorce, media and gossip columns were buzzing with rumours.
The most talked-about reason was Azharuddin’s alleged affair with badminton player Jwala Gutta. Their growing closeness became a topic of national interest.
🗣️ Azharuddin Denied the Rumours
Azharuddin, in an interview back then, denied having any romantic involvement with Jwala. He clarified that she was just a long-time friend and said people were trying to damage reputations by spreading false stories. He believed these rumours were planted by rivals from the Badminton Association of India.
🙅 Jwala Gutta Also Spoke Out
Jwala also rejected the link-up reports. She expressed her shock and disappointment at being dragged into unnecessary controversies. She called Azhar a “family friend” and clearly stated that all rumours of affairs and even gifts like a BMW car were completely false.
🏛️ The Real Reason Behind the Split?
While media speculated about infidelity, neither Azhar nor Sangeeta ever officially blamed each other or gave a clear reason for the divorce. But the sudden change in their relationship and the constant public gossip may have created cracks in their bond.
Their story is a reminder that even glamorous relationships are vulnerable to pressure, misunderstandings, and media trials.
👨👩👦 Azhar’s Past Marriage and Kids
Before marrying Sangeeta, Azharuddin was married to Naureen. The couple had two sons — Mohammad Asaduddin and Mohammad Ayazuddin. Sadly, their younger son Ayazuddin passed away in 2011 in a tragic road accident.
Conclusion
Mohammad Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani’s love story started like a dream — a cricketer and a Bollywood actress falling in love. But with time, their relationship couldn’t survive the storm of controversies and public attention. While both moved on in life, their journey remains one of the most discussed chapters in the world of celebrity love stories. Their divorce reminds us that behind every glamorous story, there is a human side — filled with emotions, challenges, and choices.